U.S. patent application number 15/934134 was filed with the patent office on 2018-10-04 for document scanning apparatus, and method and computer-readable medium therefor.
The applicant listed for this patent is BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Shunsuke YAMAMOTO.
Application Number | 20180288272 15/934134 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63671195 |
Filed Date | 2018-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180288272 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YAMAMOTO; Shunsuke |
October 4, 2018 |
DOCUMENT SCANNING APPARATUS, AND METHOD AND COMPUTER-READABLE
MEDIUM THEREFOR
Abstract
A document scanning apparatus includes a controller configured
to control an image scanner to scan a document sheet, thereby
generating scanned image data, control a communication interface to
transmit, to a storage, an instruction for inquiring whether there
is one or more pieces of image data stored in a folder of the
storage, control the communication interface to receive data
existence information representing whether there is one or more
pieces of image data stored in the folder, when the data existence
information represents that there is one or more pieces of image
data stored in the folder, control the communication interface to
transmit, to the storage, an instruction to remove the one or more
pieces of image data from the folder, and control the communication
interface to transmit, to the storage, an instruction to store the
scanned image data generated by the image scanner, into the
folder.
Inventors: |
YAMAMOTO; Shunsuke;
(Okazaki-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Nagoya |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
63671195 |
Appl. No.: |
15/934134 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/2158 20130101;
H04N 1/00944 20130101; H04N 1/00148 20130101; H04N 1/00193
20130101; H04N 1/32454 20130101; H04N 1/2179 20130101; G06F 3/127
20130101; H04N 1/00946 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 1/32 20060101
H04N001/32; H04N 1/21 20060101 H04N001/21 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 28, 2017 |
JP |
2017-063110 |
Claims
1. A document scanning apparatus comprising: an image scanner; a
communication interface configured to communicate with a storage;
and a controller configured to perform a scanned-data storing
process comprising: a scanning process to control the image scanner
to scan a document sheet, thereby generating scanned image data; a
first transmitting process to control the communication interface
to transmit, to the storage, an instruction for inquiring of the
storage whether there is one or more pieces of image data stored in
a first folder of the storage; a first receiving process to control
the communication interface to receive, from the storage, data
existence information representing whether there is one or more
pieces of image data stored in the first folder; a second
transmitting process to, when the data existence information
represents that there is one or more pieces of image data stored in
the first folder, control the communication interface to transmit,
to the storage, an instruction to remove the one or more pieces of
image data from the first folder; and a data storing process to
control the communication interface to transmit, to the storage, an
instruction to store the scanned image data generated by the image
scanner, into the first folder.
2. The document scanning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the controller is further configured to perform: the second
transmitting process comprising: controlling the communication
interface to transmit, to the storage, an instruction to transfer
the removed one or more pieces of image data into a second folder,
the second folder being a subfolder of the first folder.
3. The document scanning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the controller is further configured to perform: the second
transmitting process comprising: controlling the communication
interface to transmit, to the storage, an instruction to transfer
the removed one or more pieces of image data into a second folder,
the second folder having the first folder as a subfolder of the
second folder.
4. The document scanning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the controller is further configured to perform: the second
transmitting process comprising: controlling the communication
interface to transmit, to the storage, an instruction to delete the
removed one or more pieces of image data, the second folder having
the first folder as a subfolder of the second folder.
5. The document scanning apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: an attachment outlet to which the storage is attached;
and a start key configured to, in response to accepting a start
instruction to start the scanned-data storing process, issue a
start signal to the controller, wherein the scanned-data storing
process further comprises: a determining process to, in response to
receipt of the start signal, determine whether the receipt of the
start signal is a first receipt of the start signal after the
storage has been attached to the attachment outlet; and in response
to determining that the receipt of the start signal is not the
first receipt of the start signal after the storage has been
attached to the attachment outlet, skipping the first transmitting
process, the first receiving process, and the second transmitting
process in the scanned-data storing process.
6. The document scanning apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: a start key configured to, in response to accepting a
start instruction to start the scanned-data storing process, issue
a start signal to the controller, wherein the scanned-data storing
process further comprises: a determining process to, in response to
receipt of the start signal, determine whether the receipt of the
start signal is a first receipt of the start signal after the
communication interface has begun to communicate with the storage;
and in response to determining that the receipt of the start signal
is not the first receipt of the start signal after the
communication interface has begun to communicate with the storage,
skipping the first transmitting process, the first receiving
process, and the second transmitting process in the scanned-data
storing process.
7. The document scanning apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: a selection key configured to, in response to accepting
selection of the scanned-data storing process, issue a selection
signal to the controller; and a start key configured to, in
response to accepting a start instruction to start the scanned-data
storing process, issue a start signal to the controller, wherein
the scanned-data storing process further comprises: a determining
process to, in response to receipt of the start signal, determine
whether the receipt of the start signal is a first receipt of the
start signal after receipt of the selection signal; and in response
to determining that the receipt of the start signal is not the
first receipt of the start signal after receipt of the selection
signal, skipping the first transmitting process, the first
receiving process, and the second transmitting process in the
scanned-data storing process.
8. The document scanning apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: a start key configured to, in response to accepting a
start instruction to start the scanned-data storing process, issue
a start signal to the controller, wherein the scanned-data storing
process further comprises: a determining process to, in response to
receipt of the start signal, determine whether the receipt of the
start signal is a first receipt of the start signal after execution
of a login process for a user to log in to the document scanning
apparatus; and in response to determining that the receipt of the
start signal is not the first receipt of the start signal after
execution of the login process, skipping the first transmitting
process, the first receiving process, and the second transmitting
process in the scanned-data storing process.
9. The document scanning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the scanned-data storing process further comprises: a third
transmitting process to, in advance of the first transmitting
process, control the communication interface to transmit, to the
storage, an instruction for inquiring of the storage whether the
first folder is accessible exclusively to one or more limited
users; a second receiving process to control the communication
interface to receive, from the storage, limitation information
representing whether the first folder is accessible exclusively to
the one or more limited users; and in response to determining that
the limitation information represents that the first folder is
accessible to any user, skipping the first transmitting process,
the first receiving process, and the second transmitting process in
the scanned-data storing process.
10. The document scanning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the scanned-data storing process further comprises: a third
transmitting process to, in advance of the first transmitting
process, control the communication interface to transmit, to the
storage, an instruction for inquiring of the storage whether the
first folder is accessible exclusively to one or more limited
users; a second receiving process to control the communication
interface to receive, from the storage, limitation information
representing whether the first folder is accessible exclusively to
the one or more limited users; and in response to determining that
the limitation information represents that the first folder is
accessible exclusively to the one or more limited users, skipping
the first transmitting process, the first receiving process, and
the second transmitting process in the scanned-data storing
process.
11. The document scanning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein,
in the scanned-data storing process, the controller is further
configured to, in advance of the second transmitting process,
perform: a third transmitting process to, control the communication
interface to transmit, to the storage, an instruction for inquiring
of the storage whether the second folder exists as the subfolder of
the first folder; a second receiving process to control the
communication interface to receive, from the storage, subfolder
information representing whether the second folder exists as the
subfolder of the first folder; and a fourth transmitting process
to, in response to determining that the subfolder information
represents that the second folder does not exist as the subfolder
of the first folder, control the communication interface to
transmit, to the storage, an instruction to generate the second
folder as the subfolder of the first folder.
12. The document scanning apparatus according to claim 3, wherein,
in the scanned-data storing process, the controller is further
configured to, in advance of the second transmitting process,
perform: a third transmitting process to, control the communication
interface to transmit, to the storage, an instruction for inquiring
of the storage whether the first folder exists as the subfolder of
the second folder; a second receiving process to control the
communication interface to receive, from the storage, subfolder
information representing whether the first folder exists as the
subfolder of the second folder; and a fourth transmitting process
to, in response to determining that the subfolder information
represents that the first folder does not exist as the subfolder of
the second folder, control the communication interface to transmit,
to the storage, an instruction to generate the first folder as the
subfolder of the second folder.
13. The document scanning apparatus according to claim 4, wherein,
in the scanned-data storing process, the controller is further
configured to, in advance of the second transmitting process,
perform: a third transmitting process to, control the communication
interface to transmit, to the storage, an instruction for inquiring
of the storage whether the first folder exists as the subfolder of
the second folder; a second receiving process to control the
communication interface to receive, from the storage, subfolder
information representing whether the first folder exists as the
subfolder of the second folder; and a fourth transmitting process
to, in response to determining that the subfolder information
represents that the first folder does not exist as the subfolder of
the second folder, control the communication interface to transmit,
to the storage, an instruction to generate the first folder as the
subfolder of the second folder.
14. The document scanning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
the controller is further configured to, in the scanned-data
storing process, perform: a third transmitting process to control
the communication interface to transmit, to the storage, an
instruction to transmit data name information containing one or
more data names of image data stored in the second folder as the
subfolder of the first folder; a second receiving process to
control the communication interface to receive the data name
information from the storage; a creating process to create a data
name that is different from any of the one or more data names
contained in the data name information; and the data storing
process comprising: controlling the communication interface to
transmit, to the storage, an instruction to store the scanned image
data provided with the created data name, into the first
folder.
15. The document scanning apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
the controller is further configured to, in the scanned-data
storing process, perform: a third transmitting process to control
the communication interface to transmit, to the storage, an
instruction to transmit data name information containing one or
more data names of image data stored in the second folder; a second
receiving process to control the communication interface to receive
the data name information from the storage; a creating process to
create a data name that is different from any of the one or more
data names contained in the data name information; and the data
storing process comprising: controlling the communication interface
to transmit, to the storage, an instruction to store the scanned
image data provided with the created data name, into the first
folder as the subfolder of the second folder.
16. The document scanning apparatus according to claim 4, wherein
the controller is further configured to, in the scanned-data
storing process, perform: a third transmitting process to control
the communication interface to transmit, to the storage, an
instruction to transmit data name information containing one or
more data names of image data stored in the second folder; a second
receiving process to control the communication interface to receive
the data name information from the storage; a creating process to
create a data name that is different from any of the one or more
data names contained in the data name information; and the data
storing process comprising: controlling the communication interface
to transmit, to the storage, an instruction to store the scanned
image data provided with the created data name, into the first
folder as the subfolder of the second folder.
17. The document scanning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein,
in the scanned-data storing process, the controller is further
configured to, in advance of the data storing process, perform: a
third transmitting process to control the communication interface
to transmit, to the storage, an instruction to transmit data name
information containing one or more data names of image data stored
in the first folder and the second folder; a second receiving
process to control the communication interface to receive the data
name information from the storage; a determining process to
determine whether a data name of image data stored in the first
folder is coincident with a data name of image data stored in the
second folder, with respect to each of the one or more pieces of
image data stored in the first folder, based on the received data
name information; a renaming process to, in response to determining
that a data name of specific image data stored in the first folder
is coincident with a data name of image data stored in the second
folder, create a new data name of the specific image data, the new
data name being different from a data name of any image data stored
in the second folder; and the second transmitting process further
comprising: controlling the communication interface to transmit, to
the storage, an instruction to transfer the specific image data
provided with the created new data name, into the second
folder.
18. The document scanning apparatus according to claim 3, wherein,
in the scanned-data storing process, the controller is further
configured to, in advance of the data storing process, perform: a
third transmitting process to control the communication interface
to transmit, to the storage, an instruction to transmit data name
information containing one or more data names of image data stored
in the first folder and the second folder; a second receiving
process to control the communication interface to receive the data
name information from the storage; a determining process to
determine whether a data name of image data stored in the first
folder is coincident with a data name of image data stored in the
second folder, with respect to each of the one or more pieces of
image data stored in the first folder, based on the received data
name information; a renaming process to, in response to determining
that a data name of specific image data stored in the first folder
is coincident with a data name of image data stored in the second
folder, create a new data name of the specific image data, the new
data name being different from a data name of any image data stored
in the second folder; and the second transmitting process further
comprising: controlling the communication interface to transmit, to
the storage, an instruction to transfer the specific image data
provided with the created new data name, into the second
folder.
19. A method implementable on a processor coupled with a document
scanning apparatus, the document scanning apparatus comprising an
image scanner and a communication interface configured to
communicate with a storage, the method comprising: controlling the
image scanner to scan a document sheet, thereby generating scanned
image data; controlling the communication interface to transmit, to
the storage, an instruction for inquiring of the storage whether
there is one or more pieces of image data stored in a specific
folder of the storage; controlling the communication interface to
receive, from the storage, data existence information representing
whether there is one or more pieces of image data stored in the
specific folder; when the data existence information represents
that there is one or more pieces of image data stored in the
specific folder, controlling the communication interface to
transmit, to the storage, an instruction to remove the one or more
pieces of image data from the specific folder; and controlling the
communication interface to transmit, to the storage, an instruction
to store the scanned image data generated by the image scanner,
into the specific folder.
20. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing
computer-readable instructions that are executable by a processor
coupled with a document scanning apparatus, the document scanning
apparatus comprising an image scanner and a communication interface
configured to communicate with a storage, the instructions being
configured to, when executed by the processor, cause the processor
to perform a scanned-data storing process comprising: a scanning
process to control the image scanner to scan a document sheet,
thereby generating scanned image data; a first transmitting process
to control the communication interface to transmit, to the storage,
an instruction for inquiring of the storage whether there is one or
more pieces of image data stored in a specific folder of the
storage; a first receiving process to control the communication
interface to receive, from the storage, data existence information
representing whether there is one or more pieces of image data
stored in the specific folder; a second transmitting process to,
when the data existence information represents that there is one or
more pieces of image data stored in the specific folder, control
the communication interface to transmit, to the storage, an
instruction to remove the one or more pieces of image data from the
specific folder; and a data storing process to control the
communication interface to transmit, to the storage, an instruction
to store the scanned image data generated by the image scanner,
into the specific folder.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119
from Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-063110 filed on Mar. 28,
2017. The entire subject matter of the application is incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
Technical Field
[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure are related to a document
scanning apparatus, and a method and a computer-readable medium
therefor.
Related Art
[0003] A technique to store image data into a user folder for each
individual user in a recording medium based on user identification
information has been known. The known technique makes it easy for
each user to sort and organize image data.
SUMMARY
[0004] However, in particular, when a plurality of pieces of image
data are stored in a single folder, it might require much time and
effort to find intended image data from among the plurality of
pieces of image data.
[0005] Aspects of the present disclosure are advantageous to
provide one or more techniques, for a document scanning apparatus,
which make it possible to easily find intended image data even when
a plurality of pieces of image data are stored.
[0006] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a document
scanning apparatus is provided, which includes an image scanner, a
communication interface configured to communicate with a storage,
and a controller configured to perform a scanned-data storing
process. The scanned-data storing process includes a scanning
process to control the image scanner to scan a document sheet,
thereby generating scanned image data, a first transmitting process
to control the communication interface to transmit, to the storage,
an instruction for inquiring of the storage whether there is one or
more pieces of image data stored in a first folder of the storage,
a first receiving process to control the communication interface to
receive, from the storage, data existence information representing
whether there is one or more pieces of image data stored in the
first folder, a second transmitting process to, when the data
existence information represents that there is one or more pieces
of image data stored in the first folder, control the communication
interface to transmit, to the storage, an instruction to remove the
one or more pieces of image data from the first folder, and a data
storing process to control the communication interface to transmit,
to the storage, an instruction to store the scanned image data
generated by the image scanner, into the first folder.
[0007] According to aspects of the present disclosure, further
provided is a method implementable on a processor coupled with a
document scanning apparatus. The document scanning apparatus
includes an image scanner and a communication interface configured
to communicate with a storage. The method includes controlling the
image scanner to scan a document sheet, thereby generating scanned
image data, controlling the communication interface to transmit, to
the storage, an instruction for inquiring of the storage whether
there is one or more pieces of image data stored in a specific
folder of the storage, controlling the communication interface to
receive, from the storage, data existence information representing
whether there is one or more pieces of image data stored in the
specific folder, when the data existence information represents
that there is one or more pieces of image data stored in the
specific folder, controlling the communication interface to
transmit, to the storage, an instruction to remove the one or more
pieces of image data from the specific folder, and controlling the
communication interface to transmit, to the storage, an instruction
to store the scanned image data generated by the image scanner,
into the specific folder.
[0008] According to aspects of the present disclosure, further
provided is a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing
computer-readable instructions that are executable by a processor
coupled with a document scanning apparatus. The document scanning
apparatus includes an image scanner and a communication interface
configured to communicate with a storage. The instructions are
configured to, when executed by the processor, cause the processor
to perform a scanned-data storing process. The scanned-data storing
process includes a scanning process to control the image scanner to
scan a document sheet, thereby generating scanned image data, a
first transmitting process to control the communication interface
to transmit, to the storage, an instruction for inquiring of the
storage whether there is one or more pieces of image data stored in
a specific folder of the storage, a first receiving process to
control the communication interface to receive, from the storage,
data existence information representing whether there is one or
more pieces of image data stored in the specific folder, a second
transmitting process to, when the data existence information
represents that there is one or more pieces of image data stored in
the specific folder, control the communication interface to
transmit, to the storage, an instruction to remove the one or more
pieces of image data from the specific folder, and a data storing
process to control the communication interface to transmit, to the
storage, an instruction to store the scanned image data generated
by the image scanner, into the specific folder.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view schematically showing
a configuration of a document scanning apparatus in a first
illustrative embodiment according to one or more aspects of the
present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an
electrical configuration of the document scanning apparatus in the
first illustrative embodiment according to one or more aspects of
the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a storing
process in the first illustrative embodiment according to one or
more aspects of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a folder
generating process in the first illustrative embodiment according
to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 5 shows a folder configuration in the first
illustrative embodiment according to one or more aspects of the
present disclosure.
[0014] FIGS. 6A and 6B are flowcharts showing a procedure of a
storing process in a second illustrative embodiment according to
one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 7 shows a folder configuration in the second
illustrative embodiment according to one or more aspects of the
present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a storing
process in a third illustrative embodiment according to one or more
aspects of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIGS. 9A and 9B are flowcharts showing a procedure of a
storing process in a fourth illustrative embodiment according to
one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] It is noted that various connections are set forth between
elements in the following description. It is noted that these
connections in general and, unless specified otherwise, may be
direct or indirect and that this specification is not intended to
be limiting in this respect. Aspects of the present disclosure may
be implemented on circuits (such as application specific integrated
circuits) or in computer software as programs storable on
computer-readable media including but not limited to RAMs, ROMs,
flash memories, EEPROMs, CD-media, DVD-media, temporary storage,
hard disk drives, floppy drives, permanent storage, and the
like.
First Illustrative Embodiment
<Configuration of Document Scanning Apparatus>
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, a configuration of a document scanning
apparatus 1 in a first illustrative embodiment according to aspects
of the present disclosure will be described. In the following
description, directions of the document scanning apparatus 1 will
be defined as shown in FIG. 1. The document scanning apparatus 1
includes a housing 2, a feed tray 11, a discharge tray 72, and an
operation panel 12. The housing 2 is formed substantially in a box
shape. The housing 2 is configured to accommodate a document feeder
10 and an image scanner 38. The feed tray 11 is configured to
support one or more document sheets P placed thereon.
[0020] The document feeder 10 includes a pickup roller 13, a
separation pad 15, and conveyance rollers 16 and 17. The pickup
roller 13 is configured to feed, along a conveyance path R, the one
or more document sheets P placed on the feed tray 11. The pickup
roller 13 and the separation pad 15 are configured to convey the
one or more document sheets P fed by the pickup roller 13, toward
the conveyance rollers 16 along the conveyance path R on a
sheet-by-sheet basis.
[0021] The image scanner 38 is disposed in front of the document
feeder 10. The image scanner 38 includes a platen glass 18 and a
sensor 19. The platen glass 18 is optically transparent. Below the
conveyance path R, the platen glass 18 is disposed along the
conveyance path R. The sensor 19 is disposed under the platen glass
18. The sensor 19 includes a light source (not shown) and a light
receiver (not shown). The sensor 19 is configured to scan images of
the one or more document sheets P via the platen glass 18.
[0022] The operation panel 12 includes an LCD 41 and operable
buttons 45. The operable buttons 45 include a menu button 451, a
start button 452, a power button (not shown), an OK button (not
shown), and a numeric keypad (not shown). A USB receptacle 43 is
disposed at a front face of the housing 2. The USB receptacle 43 is
a receptacle complying with USB standards.
<Electrical Configuration of Document Scanning Apparatus>
[0023] Subsequently, referring to FIG. 2, an electrical
configuration of the document scanning apparatus 1 will be
described. The document scanning apparatus 1 includes a CPU 32, a
RAM 33, a ROM 34, an NVRAM (a non-volatile memory) 35, the image
scanner 38, a user interface (hereinafter referred to as a "user
I/F") 40, a USB interface (hereinafter referred to as a "USB I/F")
35, and a network interface (hereinafter referred to as a "network
I/F") 44, as well as the aforementioned elements shown in FIG. 1.
The ROM 34 stores programs 34A for executing processes such as a
below-mentioned storing process. The CPU 32 is configured to
control each element connected with a bus 31 while executing one or
more programs 34A read out of the ROM 34 and storing processing
results into the RAM 33. The NVRAM 35 stores authentication
information 51. Further, a partial area of the NVRAM 35 is
allocated as a scanned-image storing area 352 to store image data
scanned by the image scanner 38.
[0024] The user I/F 40 is configured to display various setting
screens and an operating state of the apparatus 1 on the LCD 41.
Further, the user I/F 40 is configured to transmit, to the CPU 32,
a signal corresponding to a user operation accepted via the
operable buttons 45. Specifically, in response to the start button
452 being pressed, the user I/F 40 transmits a start signal to the
CPU 32. Thereby, the CPU 32 determines that the start button 452
has been pressed. Further, in response to the menu button 451 being
pressed, the user I/F 40 transmits to the CPU 32 a signal
corresponding to the pressing of the menu button 451. Thereby, the
CPU 32 determines that the menu button 451 has been pressed. The
USB I/F 42 is configured to perform communication complying with a
communication protocol for USB, with a USB memory 6 attached to the
USB receptacle 43. Further, in response to detecting that the USB
memory 6 has been attached to the USB receptacle 43, the USB I/F 42
transmits to the CPU 32 a signal corresponding to the attachment of
the USB memory 6. Thereby, the CPU 32 determines that the USB
memory 6 has been attached to the USB receptacle 43. Likewise, in
response to detecting that the USB memory 6 has been detached from
the USB receptacle 43, the USB I/F 42 transmits to the CPU 32 a
signal corresponding to the detachment of the USB memory 6.
Thereby, the CPU 32 determines that the USB memory 6 has been
detached from the USB receptacle 43. The network I/F 44 may perform
wireless LAN communication with a server 5 connected with a
wireless LAN.
[0025] A Scan-to-USB function is a function to store image data
scanned by the image scanner 38 into a USB memory 6. A
Scan-to-Server function is a function to store image data scanned
by the image scanner 38 into the server 5.
[0026] <Storing Process>
[0027] In response to determining that the menu button 451 has been
pressed, the CPU 32 controls the LCD 41 to display a function
selecting screen (not shown). The function selecting screen
includes a Scan-to-USB button and a Scan-to-Server button displayed
thereon. In response to the Scan-to-USB button being selected, the
user I/F 40 transmits to the CPU 32 a signal corresponding to the
selection of the Scan-to-USB button. Thereby, the CPU 32 determines
that the Scan-to-USB button has been selected. Likewise, in
response to the Scan-to-Server button being selected, the user I/F
40 transmits to the CPU 32 a signal corresponding to the selection
of the Scan-to-Server button. Thereby, the CPU 32 determines that
the Scan-to-Server button has been selected.
[0028] A user selects the Scan-to-USB button via the operation
panel 12, and attaches a USB memory 6 to the USB receptacle 43.
After displaying the function selecting screen, the CPU 32
determines whether a USB memory 6 is attached to the USB receptacle
43. In response to determining that a USB memory 6 is attached to
the USB receptacle 43, the CPU 32 starts a storing process shown in
FIG. 3. In the storing process, first, the CPU 32 sets a transfer
flag to "ON" (51). The transfer flag is used for the CPU 32 to
determine whether pressing of the start button 452 is the first
pressing of the start button 452 after the USB memory 6 has been
attached to the USB receptacle 43. Subsequently, the CPU 32
determines whether the Scan-to-USB button has been selected (S3).
When determining that the Scan-to-USB button is not selected (S3:
No), the CPU 32 goes to S21. Meanwhile, when determining that the
Scan-to-USB button has been selected (S3: Yes), the CPU 32
determines whether the start button 45 has been pressed (S5). When
determining that the start button 45 has not been pressed (S5: No),
the CPU 32 goes to S19. Meanwhile, when determining that the start
button 45 has been pressed (S5: Yes), the CPU 32 controls the image
scanner 38 to scan document sheets P, thereby generating scanned
image data, and stores the scanned image data into the
scanned-image storing area 352 of the NVRAM 35 (S7). Next, the CPU
32 determines whether the transfer flag is "ON" (S9). When
determining that the transfer flag is not "ON" (S9: No), the CPU 32
goes to S17. Meanwhile, when determining that the transfer flag is
"ON" (S9: Yes), the CPU 32 determines that the pressing of the
start button 452 is the first pressing of the start button 452
after the USB memory 6 has been attached to the USB receptacle 43,
and performs a folder generating process (S11).
[0029] The folder generating process will be described with
reference to FIG. 4. First, the CPU 32 determines whether there is
a subfolder (S31). Specifically, the CPU 32 controls the USB I/F 42
to transmit, to the USB memory 6, an instruction for inquiring of
the USB memory 6 whether there is an Old folder as a subfolder of a
User folder in the USB memory 6. Next, the CPU 32 controls the USB
I/F 42 to receive, from the USB memory 6, subfolder information
representing whether there is an Old folder. When the subfolder
information represents that there is an Old folder, the CPU 32
determines that there is a subfolder. Meanwhile, when the subfolder
information represents that there is not an Old folder, the CPU 32
determines that there is not a subfolder. In the storing process of
the first illustrative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 32
causes the USB memory 6 to structure a folder configuration having
an Old folder under the User folder. The CPU 32 stores latest
scanned image data in the User folder, and stores past scanned
image data in the Old folder. Specifically, in order to store new
scanned image data into the USB memory 6, the CPU 32 transfers
scanned image data stored in the User folder into the Old folder
(i.e., the CPU 32 removes scanned image data from the User folder
and transfers the removed data into the Old folder), and stores the
new scanned image data into the User folder.
[0030] When determining that there is not an Old folder as a
subfolder in the User folder (S31: No), the CPU 32 controls the USB
I/F 42 to transmit, to the USB memory 6, an instruction to generate
an Old folder as a subfolder in the User folder as a storage
destination folder (S33). Thereafter, the CPU 32 terminates the
folder generating process and returns to the storing process (see
FIG. 3). Meanwhile, when determining that there is an Old folder as
a subfolder (S31: Yes), the CPU 32 terminates the folder generating
process without executing S33, and returns to the storing
process.
[0031] Referring back to FIG. 3, after execution of S11, the CPU 32
determines whether there is an image file stored in the User folder
as the storage destination folder (S12). It is noted that the
"image file" is an electronic file generated from image data (e.g.,
scanned image data). Specifically, the CPU 32 controls the USB I/F
42 to transmit, to the USB memory 6, an instruction for inquiring
of the USB memory 6 whether there is an image file stored in the
User folder of the USB memory 6. Subsequently, the CPU 32 controls
the USB I/F 42 to receive, from the USB memory 6, file existence
information representing whether an image file exists in the User
folder. When the file existence information represents that an
image file exists in the User folder, the CPU 32 determines that
there is an image file stored in the User folder. Meanwhile, when
the file existence information represents that no image file exists
in the User folder, the CPU 32 determines that there is not an
image file stored in the User folder. When determining that there
is an image file stored in the User folder (S12: Yes), the CPU 32
transfers all image files stored in the User folder into the Old
folder (S13). Specifically, the CPU 32 controls the USB I/F 42 to
transmit, to the USB memory 6, an instruction to transfer all image
files stored in the User folder into the Old folder. Thereafter,
the CPU 32 goes to S15. Meanwhile, when determining that there is
not an image file stored in the User folder (S12: No), the CPU 32
goes to S15.
[0032] The CPU 32 sets the transfer flag to "OFF" (S15).
Subsequently, the CPU 32 stores the new scanned image data into the
User folder as the storage destination folder (S17). Specifically,
the CPU 32 generates an image file from the scanned image data
stored in the scanned-image storing area 352, and provides the
image file with a file name including a date and a file number. The
file number is a serial number provided when the image file is
stored. The file number is a 3-digit natural number. The latest
file number is stored in the NVRAM 35. For instance, a file name of
the first image file stored on Jan. 1, 2017 is "20170101001." Next,
the CPU 32 controls the USB I/F 42 to transmit, to the USB memory
6, an instruction to store the image file into the User folder.
Thereby, the image file is generated from the scanned image data,
and then stored into the User folder. Subsequently, the CPU 32
determines whether the Scan-to-USB function has been completed
(S19). When determining that the menu button 451 has been pressed,
the CPU 32 determines that the user does not have an intention to
use the Scan-to-USB function and that the Scan-to-USB function has
been completed. Meanwhile, when determining that the menu button
451 has not been pressed, the CPU 32 determines that the
Scan-to-USB function has not been completed. When determining that
the Scan-to-USB function has not been completed (S19: No), the CPU
32 goes back to S5 to scan a next set of document sheets P.
Meanwhile, when determining that the Scan-to-USB function has been
completed (S19: Yes), the CPU 32 determines whether the USB memory
6 is detached from the USB receptacle 43 (S21). When determining
that the USB memory 6 is not detached from the USB receptacle 43
(S21: No), the CPU 32 determines that the user may select the
Scan-to-USB button, and goes back to S3. Meanwhile, When
determining that the USB memory 6 is detached from the USB
receptacle 43 (S21: Yes), the CPU 32 sets the transfer flag to
"OFF" (S32). Afterward, the CPU 32 terminates the storing
process.
[0033] The aforementioned first illustrative embodiment provides
the following advantageous effects. In S7, the CPU 32 controls the
image scanner 38 to scan document sheets P, thereby generating
scanned image data. Further, in S12, the CPU 32 controls the USB
I/F 42 to transmit, to the USB memory 6, an instruction for
inquiring of the USB memory 6 whether there is an image file stored
in the User folder of the USB memory 6, and then controls the USB
I/F 42 to receive, from the USB memory 6, the file existence
information representing whether an image file exists in the User
folder. Further, in S13, the CPU 32 controls the USB I/F 42 to
transmit, to the USB memory 6, an instruction to transfer the image
file stored in the User folder into the Old folder that is a
subfolder of the User folder. Further, in S17, the CPU 32 controls
the USB I/F 42 to transmit, to the USB memory 6, an instruction to
store an image file of the new scanned image data into the User
folder. Thereby, the image file of the latest scanned image data is
stored into the User folder. Thus, the user is allowed to easily
find the latest scanned image data.
[0034] Further, when determining that a signal corresponding to
pressing of the start button 452 has been input (S5: Yes), the CPU
32 determines whether the transfer flag is "ON" (S9). When
determining that the transfer flag is not "ON" (S9: No), the CPU 32
determines that the pressing of the start button 452 is not the
first pressing of the start button 452 after the USB memory 6 has
been attached to the USB receptacle 43, and skips S12 and S13.
Thus, in a procedure from when the CPU 32 executes S7 for the
second time after the USB memory 6 has been attached to the USB
receptacle 43, even when there is an image file stored in the User
folder, the image file stored in the User folder is not transferred
into the Old folder. Thereby, when the user wishes to save a
plurality of image files in the User folder, one or more image
files of image data scanned after the USB memory 6 has been
attached may be stored and accumulated in the User folder.
Therefore, the first illustrative embodiment provides such a
user-friendly document scanning apparatus 1.
[0035] Further, in S31, the CPU 32 controls the USB I/F 42 to
transmit, to the USB memory 6, an instruction for inquiring of the
USB memory 6 whether there is a subfolder in the User folder of the
USB memory 6, and controls the USB I/F 42 to receive, from the USB
memory 6, subfolder information representing whether there is a
subfolder in the User folder. When the subfolder information
represents that there is not a subfolder, in S33, the CPU 32
controls the USB I/F 42 to transmit, to the USB memory 6, an
instruction to generate an Old folder as a subfolder in the User
folder. Thereby, even when there is no subfolder in the User
folder, the CPU 32 may cause the USB memory 6 to generate a
subfolder in the User folder.
[0036] [Storing Process in Second Illustrative Embodiment]
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a storing process in a second
illustrative embodiment according to aspects of the present
disclosure will be described. When determining that the menu button
451 has been pressed, the CPU 32 controls the LCD 41 to display a
function selecting screen (not shown). The function selecting
screen includes a Scan-to-USB button and a Scan-to-Server button
displayed thereon. The user attaches a USB memory 6 to the USB
receptacle 43 and selects the Scan-to-USB button. After issuance of
an instruction to display the function selecting screen, the CPU 32
determines whether a USB memory 6 has been attached to the USB
receptacle 43. When determining that a USB memory 6 has been
attached to the USB receptacle 43, the CPU 32 determines whether
the Scan-to-USB button has been selected via the function selecting
screen. When determining that the Scan-to-USB button has been
selected via the function selecting screen, the CPU 32 starts the
storing process. In the following description, substantially the
same steps as exemplified in the aforementioned first illustrative
embodiment will be provided with the same reference characters, and
detailed explanations thereof may be omitted.
[0038] First, the CPU 32 sets a transfer flag to "ON" (Si). In the
second illustrative embodiment, the transfer flag is used for the
CPU 32 to determine whether pressing of the start button 452 is the
first pressing of the start button 452 after the Scan-to-USB
function has been selected. Subsequently, the CPU 32 determines
whether the start button 452 has been pressed (S5). When
determining that the start button 452 has not been pressed (S5:
No), the CPU 32 goes to S19. Meanwhile, when determining that the
start button 452 has been pressed (S5: Yes), the CPU 32 controls
the image scanner 38 to scan document sheets P, thereby generating
scanned image data (S7). Next, the CPU 32 determines whether the
transfer flag is "ON" (S9). When determining that the transfer flag
is not "ON" (S9: No), the CPU 32 goes to S49. Meanwhile, when
determining that the transfer flag is "ON" (S9: Yes), the CPU 32
determines that the pressing of the start button 452 is the first
pressing of the start button 452 after the Scan-to-USB function has
been selected, and performs a folder generating process (S11).
[0039] In the storing process of the second illustrative
embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 32 structures, in the USB
memory 6, a folder configuration having a Latest folder under a
User folder. The CPU 32 stores latest scanned image data in the
Latest folder, and stores past scanned image data in the User
folder. Specifically, in order to store new scanned image data into
the USB memory 6, the CPU 32 transfers scanned image data stored in
the Latest folder into the User folder (i.e., the CPU 32 removes
scanned image data from the Latest folder and transfers the removed
data into the User folder), and stores the new scanned image data
into the Latest folder. In the folder generating process (S11),
when determining that there is not a Latest folder as a subfolder
in the User folder (S31: No), the CPU 32 causes the USB memory 6 to
generate a Latest folder as a subfolder in the User folder as a
storage destination folder.
[0040] Subsequently, the CPU 32 determines whether there is an
image file stored in the Latest folder (S41). Specifically, the CPU
32 controls the USB I/F 42 to transmit, to the USB memory 6, an
instruction for inquiring of the USB memory 6 whether there is an
image file stored in the Latest folder of the USB memory 6. Next,
the CPU 32 controls the USB I/F 42 to receive, from the USB memory
6, file existence information representing whether an image file
exists in the Latest folder. When the file existence information
represents that an image file exists in the Latest folder, the CPU
32 determines that there is an image file stored in the Latest
folder. Meanwhile, when the file existence information represents
that no image file exists in the Latest folder, the CPU 32
determines that there is not an image file stored in the Latest
folder.
[0041] In a case where an image file, which has the same name as a
file name of an image file stored in the User folder, exists in the
Latest folder, there is a need to change the file name of the image
file in the Latest folder. Therefore, when determining that there
is an image file stored in the Latest folder (S41: Yes), the CPU 32
performs the following steps S43 to S47. When determining that
there is an image file stored in the Latest folder (S41: Yes), the
CPU 32 sets, as a target image file, an image file stored in the
Latest folder, and determines whether an image file having the same
name as a file name of the target image file is stored in the User
folder (S43). Specifically, the CPU 32 controls the USB I/F 42 to
transmit, to the USB memory 6, an instruction to transmit data name
information containing file names of image files stored in the User
folder and the Latest folder. Next, the CPU 32 controls the USB I/F
42 to receive the data name information from the USB memory 6.
Subsequently, based on the received data name information, the CPU
32 determines whether an image file, of which a file name is
coincident with the file name of the target image file, is stored
in the User folder. When determining that an image file, of which a
file name is coincident with the file name of the target image
file, is stored in the User folder, the CPU 32 determines that an
image file having the same name as the file name of the target
image file is stored in the User folder. Meanwhile, when
determining that an image file, of which a file name is coincident
with the file name of the target image file, is not stored in the
User folder, the CPU 32 determines that no image file having the
same name as the file name of the target image file is stored in
the User folder.
[0042] When determining that an image file having the same name as
the file name of the target image file is stored in the User folder
(S43: Yes), in order to prevent the two image files from sharing
the same name, the CPU 32 renames the target image file, and
transfers the target image file into the User folder (S45). Then,
the CPU 32 goes back to S41. Specifically, in S45, based on the
data name information, the CPU 32 detects, in the User folder, a
maximum number from among file numbers of file names of the same
date as a date of the target image file. Then, the CPU 32 uses a
file number obtained by adding one to the detected maximum number,
for the changed file name of the target image file. Suppose for
instance that the file name of the target image file stored in the
Latest folder is "20161231001," and file names of ten image files
stored in the User folder are "20161231001" to "20161231010." In
this case, the file name of the target image file stored in the
Latest folder is changed from "20161231001" to "20161231011."
Subsequently, the CPU 32 controls the USB I/F 42 to transmit, to
the USB memory 6, an instruction to rename and transfer the target
image file stored in the Latest folder into the User folder. For
instance, when the USB memory 6 is used by a plurality of users, an
image file having the same file name as a file name of an image
file stored in the User folder may be stored into the Latest
folder. Even in such a case, by executing S45, the CPU 32
efficiently makes an image file transfer.
[0043] Meanwhile, when determining that an image file having the
same name as the file name of the target image file is not stored
in the User folder (S43: No), since there is no need to rename the
target image file, the CPU 32 transfers the target image file into
the User folder without renaming the target image file (S47). Then,
the CPU 32 goes back to S41. Specifically, in S47, the CPU 32
controls the USB I/F 42 to transmit, to the USB memory 6, an
instruction to transfer the target image file stored in the Latest
folder into the User folder. Thus, when a plurality of image files
are stored in the Latest folder, the CPU 32 repeatedly executes the
steps S41 and S43 and the step S45 or S47 until all of the image
files stored in the Latest folder are transferred into the User
folder.
[0044] When all of the image files stored in the Latest folder are
transferred into the User folder, and the CPU 32 determines that
there is not an image file stored in the Latest folder (S41: No),
the CPU 32 sets the transfer flag to "OFF" (S15). Then, the CPU 32
provides the scanned image data with a file name, and stores the
scanned image data into the Latest folder (S49). Specifically, the
CPU 32 controls the USB I/F 42 to transmit, to the USB memory 6, an
instruction to store a newly-generated image file into the Latest
folder. Next, the CPU 32 determines whether the Scan-to-USB
function has been completed (S19). When determining that the
Scan-to-USB function has not been completed (S19: No), the CPU 32
goes back to S5 to scan a next set of document sheets P. Meanwhile,
when determining that the Scan-to-USB function has been completed
(S19: Yes), the CPU 32 sets the transfer flag to "OFF" (S23).
Thereafter, the CPU 32 terminates the storing process.
[0045] The aforementioned second illustrative embodiment provides
the following advantageous effects. In S7, the CPU 32 controls the
image scanner 38 to scan document sheets P, thereby generating
scanned image data. Further, in S41, the CPU 32 controls the USB
I/F 42 to transmit, to the USB memory 6, an instruction for
inquiring of the USB memory 6 whether there is an image file stored
in the Latest folder as a subfolder of the User folder in the USB
memory 6, and controls the USB I/F 42 to receive the file existence
information from the USB memory 6. Further, in S45 or S47, the CPU
32 controls the USB I/F 42 to transmit, to the USB memory 6, an
instruction to transfer an image file stored in the Latest folder
into the User folder. Further, in S49, the CPU 32 controls the USB
I/F 42 to transmit, to the USB memory 6, an instruction to store an
image file of the scanned image data into the User folder. Thus,
since the image file of the latest scanned image data is stored
into the Latest folder, the user is allowed to easily find the
latest scanned image data.
[0046] Further, when determining that a signal corresponding to
pressing of the start button 452 has been input (S5: Yes), the CPU
32 determines whether the transfer flag is "ON" (S9). When
determining that the transfer flag is not "ON" (S9: No), the CPU 32
determines that the pressing of the start button 452 is not the
first pressing of the start button 452 after the Scan-to-USB button
has been selected, and skips S12 and S13. Thus, in a procedure from
when the CPU 32 executes S7 for the second time after the
Scan-to-USB button has been selected, even when there is an image
file stored in the Latest folder, the image file stored in the
Latest folder is not transferred into the User folder. Thereby,
when the user wishes to save a plurality of image files in the
Latest folder, one or more image files of image data scanned after
the Scan-to-USB button has been selected may be stored and
accumulated in the Latest folder. Therefore, the second
illustrative embodiment provides such a user-friendly document
scanning apparatus 1.
[0047] Further, in S43, the CPU 32 controls the USB I/F 42 to
transmit, to the USB memory 6, an instruction to transmit data name
information containing file names of image files stored in the User
folder and the Latest folder, and controls the USB I/F 42 to
receive the data name information from the USB memory 6. Further,
in S43, the CPU 32 determines whether a file name of an image file
stored in the User folder is coincident with a file name of an
image file stored in the Latest folder. When determining that a
file name of an image file stored in the User folder is coincident
with a file name of an image file (i.e., a target image file)
stored in the Latest folder (S43: Yes), in S45, the CPU 32 creates
a file name that is not shared by any image file stored in the User
folder, as a new file name of the target image file stored in the
Latest folder. Further, the CPU 32 changes the file name of the
target image file stored in the Latest folder to the new file name,
and transfers the target image file into the User folder. Thereby,
even when an image file having the same file name as a file name of
an image file stored in the User folder is stored in the Latest
folder, the CPU 32 may efficiently transfer the image file stored
in the Latest folder into the User folder.
[0048] [Storing Process in Third Illustrative Embodiment] Referring
to FIG. 8, a storing process in a third illustrative embodiment
according to aspects of the present disclosure will be described.
When determining that the menu button 451 has been pressed, the CPU
32 controls the LCD 41 to display a function selecting screen (not
shown). The function selecting screen includes a Scan-to-USB button
and a Scan-to-Server button displayed thereon. The user may select
the Scan-to-Server button. After controlling the LCD 41 to display
the function selecting screen, the CPU 32 determines whether the
Scan-to-Server button has been selected. When determining that the
Scan-to-Server button has been selected, the CPU 32 begins to
communicate with the server 5 via the network OF 44, and starts the
storing process. In the following description, substantially the
same steps as exemplified in the aforementioned first illustrative
embodiment will be provided with the same reference characters, and
detailed explanations thereof may be omitted.
[0049] First, the CPU 32 sets a transfer flag to "ON" (51). In the
third illustrative embodiment, the transfer flag is used for the
CPU 32 to determine whether pressing of the start button 452 is the
first pressing of the start button 452 after the Scan-to-Server
button function has been selected. Subsequently, the CPU 32
determines whether the start button 452 has been pressed (S5). When
determining that the start button 452 has not been pressed (S5:
No), the CPU 32 goes to S57. Meanwhile, when determining that the
start button 452 has been pressed (S5: Yes), the CPU 32 controls
the image scanner 38 to scan document sheets P, thereby generating
scanned image data (S7). Next, the CPU 32 performs a folder
generating process (S11). In the storing process of the third
illustrative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 32 structures,
in the server 5, a folder configuration having a Latest folder
under a User folder. The CPU 32 stores a latest image file into the
Latest folder, and stores all image files into the User folder as a
history of image files stored in the server 5. Specifically, in
order to store new scanned image data into the server 5, the CPU 32
deletes scanned image data stored in the Latest folder (i.e., the
CPU 32 removes scanned image data from the Latest folder and
deletes the removed data), and stores the new scanned image data
into both the Latest folder and the User folder. In the folder
generating process (S11), when determining that there is not a
Latest folder as a subfolder in the User folder (S31: No), the CPU
32 causes the server 5 to generate a Latest folder as a subfolder
in the User folder as a storage destination folder.
[0050] Subsequently, the CPU 32 determines whether the transfer
flag is "ON" (S9). When determining that the transfer flag is not
"ON" (S9: No), the CPU 32 goes to S53. Meanwhile, when determining
that the transfer flag is "ON" (S9: Yes), the CPU 32 determines
that the pressing of the start button 452 is the first pressing of
the start button 452 after the CPU 32 has begun to communicate with
the server 5, and therefore determines whether there is an image
file stored in the Latest folder as a subfolder (S50).
Specifically, the CPU 32 controls the network I/F 44 to transmit,
to the server 5, an instruction for inquiring of the server 5
whether there is an image file stored in the Latest folder as a
subfolder of the User folder that is a storage destination folder
in the server 5. Next, the CPU 32 controls the network I/F 44 to
receive, from the server 5, file existence information representing
whether an image file exists in the Latest folder. When the file
existence information represents that an image file exists in the
Latest folder, the CPU 32 determines that there is an image file
stored in the Latest folder. Meanwhile, when the file existence
information represents that no image file exists in the Latest
folder, the CPU 32 determines that there is not an image file
stored in the Latest folder.
[0051] When determining that there is not an image file stored in
the Latest folder (S50: No), the CPU 32 goes to S15. Meanwhile,
when determining that there is an image file stored in the Latest
folder (S50: Yes), the CPU 32 deletes all image files stored in the
Latest folder (S51). Specifically, the CPU 32 controls the network
I/F 44 to transmit, to the server 5, an instruction to delete all
image files stored in the Latest folder. Next, the CPU 32 sets the
transfer flag to "OFF" (S15). Then, the CPU 32 stores, into the
User folder, an image file generated from the scanned image data
(S53). Specifically, the CPU 32 controls the network I/F 44 to
transmit, to the server 5, an instruction to store the image file
into the User folder of the server 5. Subsequently, the CPU 32
stores, into the Latest folder, the image file generated from the
scanned image data (S55). Specifically, the CPU 32 controls the
network I/F 44 to transmit, to the server 5, an instruction to
store the image file into the Latest folder. Next, the CPU 32
determines whether the Scan-to-Server function has been completed
(S57). When determining that the menu button 451 has been pressed,
the CPU 32 determines that the user does not have an intention to
use the Scan-to-Server function and that the Scan-to-Server
function has been completed. Meanwhile, when determining that the
menu button 451 has not been pressed, the CPU 32 determines that
the Scan-to-Server function has not been completed. When
determining that the Scan-to-Server function has not been completed
(S57: No), the CPU 32 goes back to S5 to scan a next set of
document sheets P. Meanwhile, when determining that the
Scan-to-Server function has been completed (S57: Yes), the CPU 32
sets the transfer flag to "OFF" (S23). Thereafter, the CPU 32
terminates the storing process.
[0052] The aforementioned third illustrative embodiment provides
the following advantageous effects. In S7, the CPU 32 controls the
image scanner 38 to scan document sheets P, thereby generating
scanned image data. Further, in S50, the CPU 32 controls the
network I/F 44 to transmit, to the server 5, an instruction for
inquiring of the server 5 whether there is an image file stored in
the Latest folder as a subfolder of the User folder in the server
5, and controls the network I/F 44 to receive file existence
information from the server 5. Further, in S51, the CPU 32 controls
the network I/F 44 to transmit, to the server 5, an instruction to
delete an image file stored in the Latest folder. Further, in S53,
the CPU 32 controls the network I/F 44 to transmit, to the server
5, an instruction to store an image file of scanned image data into
the User folder. Further, in S55, the CPU 32 controls the network
I/F 44 to transmit, to the server 5, an instruction to store the
image file of the scanned image data into the Latest folder.
Thereby, the image file of the latest scanned image data is stored
in the Latest folder. Thus, the user is allowed to easily find the
latest scanned image data.
[0053] Further, when determining that a signal corresponding to
pressing of the start button 452 has been input (S5: Yes), the CPU
32 determines whether the transfer flag is "ON" (S9). When
determining that the transfer flag is not "ON" (S9: No), the CPU 32
determines that the pressing of the start button 452 is not the
first pressing of the start button 452 after the network I/F 44 has
begun to communicate with the server 5, and therefore skips S50 and
S51. Thereby, in a procedure from when the CPU 32 executes S7 for
the second time after the network I/F 44 has begun to communicate
with the server 5, even when there is an image file stored in the
Latest folder, the image file stored in the Latest folder is not
transferred. Thus, when the user wishes to save a plurality of
image files in the Latest folder, one or more image files of image
data scanned after the network I/F 44 has begun to communicate with
the server 5 may be stored and accumulated in the Latest folder.
Therefore, the third illustrative embodiment provides such a
user-friendly document scanning apparatus 1.
[0054] [Storing Process in Fourth Illustrative Embodiment]
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, a storing process in a fourth
illustrative embodiment according to aspects of the present
disclosure will be described. In the following description,
substantially the same steps as exemplified in the aforementioned
first illustrative embodiment will be provided with the same
reference characters, and detailed explanations thereof may be
omitted.
[0056] When the document scanning apparatus 1 is powered on, the
CPU 32 sets a transfer flag to "ON" (S61). Then, the CPU 32
displays a login screen (not shown) on the LCD 41 (S63). In the
fourth illustrative embodiment, the transfer flag is used for the
CPU 32 to determine whether pressing of the start button 452 is the
first pressing of the start button 452 after execution of a login
process in S67. The login screen includes text boxes displayed
thereon to accept a user name and a password. When wishing to log
in to the document scanning apparatus 1, the user inputs a user
name and a password, and presses the OK button. Next, the CPU 32
determines whether the CPU 32 is allowed to change the login user
(S65). Specifically, when determining that a user name and a
password have been input on the login screen, and then the OK
button has been pressed, the CPU 32 collates the input values with
the authentication information 51 stored in the NVRAM 35. At this
time, when determining that the authentication information 51
contains information coincident with the user name and the password
input via the login screen, the CPU 32 determines that the CPU 32
is allowed to change the login user (S65: Yes). Meanwhile, when
determining that the authentication information 51 does not contain
information coincident with the user name and the password input
via the login screen, the CPU 32 determines that the CPU 32 is not
allowed to change the login user (S65: No). Further, when
determining that the menu button 451 has been pressed after
displaying the login screen on the LCD 41, the CPU 32 determines
that the CPU 32 is not allowed to change the login user (S65: No).
It is noted that the authentication information 51 contains one or
more user names each registered in association with a corresponding
password. Hereinafter, the one or more user names contained in the
authentication information 51 may be referred to as "one or more
registered users." For instance, the authentication information 51
is used when availability of a function of the document scanning
apparatus 1 depends on which user is logging in to the apparatus 1.
In other words, in a case where a specific function of the document
scanning apparatus 1 is permitted to be used only by a specific
registered user, when the specific registered user wishes to use
the specific function, the specific registered user needs to log in
to the document scanning apparatus 1 before using the specific
function.
[0057] When determining that the CPU 32 is allowed to change the
login user (S65: Yes), the CPU 32 changes the login user to a
registered user who is authorized by the successful authentication
using the user name and the password input via the login screen
(S67). Subsequently, the CPU 32 sets the transfer flag to "ON"
(S69), and then displays a function selecting screen on the LCD 41.
Afterward, the CPU 32 goes to S71. Meanwhile, when determining that
the CPU 32 is not allowed to change the login user (S65: No), the
CPU 32 displays the function selecting screen without changing the
login user, and goes to S71. The user may select the Scan-to-Server
button. In S71, the CPU 32 determines whether the Scan-to-Server
button has been selected. When determining that the Scan-to-Server
button has not been selected (S71: No), the CPU 32 goes back to
S63. Meanwhile, when determining that the Scan-to-Server button has
been selected (S71: Yes), the CPU 32 determines whether the start
button 452 has been pressed (S5). When determining that the start
button 452 has not been pressed (S5: No), the CPU 32 goes to S81.
Meanwhile, when determining that the start button 452 has been
pressed (S5: Yes), the CPU 32 controls the image scanner 38 to scan
document sheets P, thereby generating scanned image data (S7).
Subsequently, the CPU 32 determines whether the User folder as a
storage destination folder is exclusively for the one or more
registered users (S73). Specifically, the CPU 32 controls the
network I/F 44 to transmit, to the server 5, an instruction for
inquiring of the server 5 whether the User folder is accessible
exclusively to one or more limited users. Next, the CPU 32 controls
the network I/F 44 to receive, from the server, limitation
information representing whether the User folder is accessible
exclusively to one or more limited users. When the limitation
information represents that the User folder is accessible
exclusively to one or more limited users, the CPU 32 determines
that the User folder is exclusively for the one or more registered
users (S73: Yes). Meanwhile, when the limitation information
represents that the User folder is accessible to any user, the CPU
32 determines that the User folder is not exclusively for the one
or more registered users (S73: No).
[0058] When determining that the User folder is not exclusively for
the one or more registered users (S73: No), the CPU 32 goes to S79.
Meanwhile, when determining that the User folder is exclusively for
the one or more registered users (S73: Yes), the CPU 32 determines
whether the transfer flag is "ON" (S9). When determining that the
transfer flag is not "ON" (S9: No), the CPU 32 goes to S79.
Meanwhile, when determining that the transfer flag is "ON" (S9:
Yes), the CPU 32 determines whether there is an Old folder as a
subfolder in the User folder (S31). It is noted that, in the fourth
illustrative embodiment, the CPU 32 causes the server 5 to
structure a folder configuration having an Old folder under the
User folder. In the User folder, latest scanned image data is
stored. In the Old folder, past scanned image data is stored. When
determining that there is an Old folder as a subfolder in the User
folder (S31: Yes), the CPU 32 goes to S75. Meanwhile, when
determining that there is not an Old folder (S31: No), the CPU 32
causes the server 5 to create an Old folder as a subfolder in the
User folder as a storage destination folder (S33). Thereafter, the
CPU 32 goes to S12.
[0059] In S75 (see FIG. 9B), the CPU 32 creates a candidate for a
file name by adding a particular file number to a date.
Specifically, the CPU 32 sets, as the particular file number for
the candidate for the file name, a number obtained by adding one to
a latest file number stored in the NVRAM 35. Further, the CPU 32
stores the latest file number, which is newly set as the particular
file number for the candidate for the file name, into the NVRAM 35.
Next, the CPU 32 determines whether an image file having the same
name as the newly-created candidate for the file name is stored in
the User folder (S77). Specifically, the CPU 32 controls the
network I/F 44 to transmit, to the server 5, an instruction to
transmit data name information containing file names of image files
stored in the Old folder. Subsequently, the CPU 32 controls the
network I/F 44 to receive the data name information from the server
5. Then, the CPU 32 determines whether the newly-created candidate
for the file name is contained in the data name information. When
determining that the newly-created candidate for the file name is
contained in the data name information, the CPU 32 determines that
an image file having the same name as the newly-created candidate
for the file name is stored in the User folder (S77: Yes).
Meanwhile, when determining that the newly-created candidate for
the file name is not contained in the data name information, the
CPU 32 determines that no image file having the same name as the
newly-created candidate for the file name is stored in the User
folder (S77: No).
[0060] When determining that an image file having the same name as
the newly-created candidate for the file name is stored in the User
folder (S77: Yes), the CPU 32 goes back to S75. Thus, by repeatedly
executing S75 and S77 until determining that no image file having
the same name as the newly-created candidate for the file name is
stored in the User folder, the CPU 32 creates a file name that is
not shared by any image file stored in the Old folder. When
determining that no image file having the same name as the
newly-created candidate for the file name is stored in the User
folder (S77: No), the CPU 32 determines whether there is an image
file stored in the User folder as a storage destination folder
(S12). When determining that there is not an image file stored in
the User folder (S12: No), the CPU 32 goes to S15. Meanwhile, when
determining that there is an image file stored in the User folder
(S12: Yes), the CPU 32 transfers all image files stored in the User
folder into the Old folder (S13). Next, the CPU 32 sets the
transfer flag to "OFF" (S15). Subsequently, the CPU 32 generates an
image file of the scanned image data stored in the scanned-image
storing area 352, and stores the generated image file provided with
the file name created in S75, into the User folder (S79). Next, the
CPU 32 determines whether the Scan-to-Server function has been
completed (S81). Specifically, when determining that the menu
button 451 has been pressed, the CPU 32 determines that the
Scan-to-Server function has been completed (S81: Yes). Meanwhile,
when determining that the menu button 451 has not been pressed, the
CPU 32 determines that the Scan-to-Server function has not been
completed (S81: No). When determining that the Scan-to-Server
function has not been completed (S81: No), the CPU 32 goes back to
S5 to scan a next set of document sheets P. Meanwhile, when
determining that the Scan-to-Server function has been completed
(S81: Yes), the CPU 32 determines whether the document scanning
apparatus 1 has been powered off (S83). When determining that the
document scanning apparatus 1 has not been powered off (S83: No),
the CPU 32 goes back to S63. Meanwhile, when determining that the
document scanning apparatus 1 has been powered off (S83: Yes), the
CPU 32 terminates the storing process.
[0061] The aforementioned fourth illustrative embodiment provides
the following advantageous effects. When determining that the start
button 452 has been pressed (S5: Yes), the CPU 32 determines
whether the transfer flag is "ON" (S9). When determining that the
transfer flag is not "ON" (S9: No), the CPU 32 determines that the
pressing of the start button 452 is not the first pressing of the
start button 452 after execution of the login process in S67, and
skips S12 and S13. Thereby, in a procedure from when the CPU 32
executes S7 for the second time after execution of the login
process, even when there is an image file stored in the User
folder, the image file stored in the User folder is not
transferred. Thus, when the user wishes to save a plurality of
image files in the User folder, one or more image files of image
data scanned after execution of the login process may be stored and
accumulated in the User folder. Therefore, the fourth illustrative
embodiment provides such a user-friendly document scanning
apparatus 1.
[0062] Further, in S73, the CPU 32 controls the network OF 44 to
transmit, to the server 5, an instruction for inquiring of the
server 5 whether the User folder is accessible exclusively to one
or more limited users, and controls the network I/F 44 to receive
the limitation information from the server 5. Further, when the
limitation information represents that the User folder is
accessible to any user (S73: No), the CPU 32 skips S12 and S13 in a
procedure after execution of S7. Assuming that the CPU 32 executes
S13 in a case where the User folder is accessible to any user, for
instance, when the CPU 32 executes S79 in response to operations by
a user B after the CPU 32 executes S79 in response to operations by
a user A, an image file stored in response to the operations by the
user A is transferred into the Old folder. Nonetheless, in the
aforementioned fourth illustrative embodiment, the CPU 32 skips S12
and S13 when the User folder is accessible to any user. Thus, it is
possible to prevent a user-ungraspable image file from being
transferred from User folder to the Old folder.
[0063] Further, in S77, the CPU 32 controls the network I/F 44 to
transmit, to the server 5, an instruction to transmit the data name
information containing file names of image files stored in the User
folder, and controls the network I/F 44 to receive the data name
information from the server 5. Further, by executing S75 and S77,
the CPU 32 creates a file name that is different from the file
names contained in the data name information. Further, in S79, the
CPU 32 stores an image file of scanned image data provided with a
file name created in S75. Thereby, even when a user-ungraspable
image file having the same name as created in S75 is stored in the
Old folder, the CPU 32 certainly stores, into the User folder, an
image file of latest scanned image data provided with a different
file name recreated in S75 while maintaining the user-ungraspable
image file stored in the Old folder.
[0064] Hereinabove, the illustrative embodiments according to
aspects of the present disclosure have been described. The present
disclosure can be practiced by employing conventional materials,
methodology and equipment. Accordingly, the details of such
materials, equipment and methodology are not set forth herein in
detail. In the previous descriptions, numerous specific details are
set forth, such as specific materials, structures, chemicals,
processes, etc., in order to provide a thorough understanding of
the present disclosure. However, it should be recognized that the
present disclosure can be practiced without reapportioning to the
details specifically set forth. In other instances, well known
processing structures have not been described in detail, in order
not to unnecessarily obscure the present disclosure.
[0065] Only exemplary illustrative embodiments of the present
disclosure and but a few examples of its versatility are shown and
described in the present disclosure. It is to be understood that
the present disclosure is capable of use in various other
combinations and environments and is capable of changes or
modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as
expressed herein. For instance, according to aspects of the present
disclosure, the following modifications are possible.
Modifications
[0066] In the aforementioned fourth illustrative embodiment, when
the limitation information represents that the User folder is
accessible to any user (S73: No), the CPU 32 skips S12 and S13 in
the procedure after execution of S7. Nonetheless, for instance,
when the limitation information represents that the User folder is
accessible to any user (S73: No), the CPU 32 may execute S12 and
S13 in the procedure after execution of S7. Further, when the
limitation information represents that the User folder is
accessible exclusively to one or more limited users (S73: Yes), the
CPU 32 may skip S12 and S13 in the procedure after execution of S7.
When the User folder is accessible exclusively to one or more
limited users, the User folder is used only by the one or more
limited users. In this case, even though the CPU 32 does not
execute S12 or S13, since all image files stored in the User folder
are data of the one or more limited users, it is likely that each
of the one or more limited users may easily find an intended image
file. Meanwhile, when the User folder is accessible to any user, it
is likely that a lot of users use the User folder as a storage
destination folder. In this case, when the CPU 32 executes S12 and
S13, old image files are transferred into the Old folder, and a
latest image file is stored into the User folder. Therefore, each
user may easily find an intended image file.
[0067] In the aforementioned second illustrative embodiment, when
determining that a file name of an image file stored in the User
folder is coincident with a file name of a target image file stored
in the Latest folder (S43: Yes), in S45, the CPU 32 creates a file
name that is not shared by any image file stored in the User
folder, as a new file name of the target image file stored in the
Latest folder. The same method may be applied to the aforementioned
first and third illustrative embodiments. For instance, in the
first illustrative embodiment, when determining that there is an
image file stored in the User folder (S12: Yes), the CPU 32 may
set, as a target image file, an image file stored in the User
folder, and may determine whether an image file having the same
name as a file name of the target image file is stored in the Old
folder (S43). Specifically, the CPU 32 may control the USB OF 42 to
transmit, to the USB memory 6, an instruction to transmit data name
information containing file names of image files stored in the User
folder and the Old folder. Next, the CPU 32 may control the USB OF
42 to receive the data name information from the USB memory 6.
Subsequently, based on the received data name information, the CPU
32 may determine whether an image file, having the same name as the
file name of the target image file stored in the User folder, is
stored in the Old folder. When determining that an image file
having the same name as the file name of the target image file is
stored in the Old folder (S43: Yes), the CPU 32 may create a new
file name of the target image file that is not shared by any image
file stored in the Old folder, and may transfer, into the Old
folder, the target image file provided with the new file name.
[0068] In the aforementioned fourth illustrative embodiment, by
executing S75 and S77, the CPU 32 creates a file name that is not
coincident with any file name contained in the data name
information. Further, in S79, the CPU 32 stores, into the User
folder, an image file provided with the file name created in S75.
The same method may be applied to the aforementioned second and
third illustrative embodiments. For instance, in the second
illustrative embodiment, before execution of S49, the CPU 32 may
control the USB OF 42 to transmit, to the USB memory 6, an
instruction to transmit data name information containing file names
of image files stored in the User folder. Next, the CPU 32 may
control the USB OF 42 to receive the data name information from the
USB memory 6. Subsequently, the CPU 32 may determine whether the
same name as a created candidate for a file name is contained in
the data name information. When determining that an image file
having the same name as the created candidate is stored in the User
folder, the CPU 32 may create a file name that is not shared by any
image file stored in the User folder. In S49, the CPU 32 may store,
into the Latest folder, an image file of the scanned image data
provided with the created file name.
[0069] In the aforementioned second illustrative embodiment, in
S45, the CPU 32 renames the target image file stored in the Latest
folder. Nonetheless, the CPU 32 may rename an image file stored in
the User folder, instead of renaming the target image file stored
in the Latest folder.
[0070] Further, for instance, in the storing process of the
aforementioned third illustrative embodiment, the CPU 32 may
execute S53 immediately after execution of S11. Further, for
instance, in the storing process of the aforementioned fourth
illustrative embodiment, the CPU 32 may execute S75 and S77 after
execution of S12 and S13.
[0071] In the aforementioned illustrative embodiments, a file name
to be provided to an image file of the scanned image data is a
numerical string including a date and a file number (i.e., a
3-digit natural number). Nonetheless, the method for creating the
file name may not necessarily be limited to the above method.
[0072] In the aforementioned illustrative embodiments, aspects of
the present disclosure are applied to the document scanning
apparatus 1. Nonetheless, aspects of the present disclosure may be
applied, for instance, to an apparatus having a plurality of
functions such as a printing function and a facsimile function as
well as an image scanning function.
[0073] Associations between elements exemplified in the
aforementioned illustrative embodiments and elements according to
aspects of the present disclosure will be exemplified below. The
document scanning apparatus 1 may be an example of a "document
scanning apparatus" according to aspects of the present disclosure.
The image scanner 38 may be an example of an "image scanner"
according to aspects of the present disclosure. The USB I/F 42 may
be an example of a "communication interface" according to aspects
of the present disclosure. Further, the network I/F 44 may be an
example of the "communication interface" according to aspects of
the present disclosure. The CPU 32 and the ROM 34 storing the
programs 34A may be included in a "controller" according to aspects
of the present disclosure. The USB receptacle 43 may be an example
of an "attachment outlet" according to aspects of the present
disclosure. The USB memory 6 may be an example of a "storage"
according to aspects of the present disclosure. Further, the server
5 may be an example of the "storage" according to aspects of the
present disclosure. The menu button 451 may be an example of a
"selection key" according to aspects of the present disclosure. The
start button 452 may be an example of a "start key" according to
aspects of the present disclosure. A sequence of the steps S7 to
S17 in the aforementioned first illustrative embodiment may be an
example of a "scanned-data storing process" according to aspects of
the present disclosure. Further, a sequence of the steps S7 to S49
in the aforementioned second illustrative embodiment may be an
example of the "scanned-data storing process" according to aspects
of the present disclosure. Further, a sequence of the steps S7 to
S55 in the aforementioned third illustrative embodiment may be an
example of the "scanned-data storing process" according to aspects
of the present disclosure. Further, a sequence of the steps S7 to
S79 in the aforementioned fourth illustrative embodiment may be an
example of the "scanned-data storing process" according to aspects
of the present disclosure.
* * * * *